PC changes "cash in lieu" travel policyRead and comment on this memo from Peace Corps' General Counsel that explains the new policy for paying "cash in lieu" to Volunteers at their Completion of Service (COS). New RPCVs can still take the long way home, though they will likely have less money in their pockets because of the new policy. Peace Corps received $30 million more this year than in FY03 but is there a budget crunch now at Peace Corps? What do you think of the new policy?

Peace Corps: One of the Best Faces of AmericaTeresa Heinz Kerry spoke to the Democratic National Convention about the Peace Corps: "To me, one of the best faces America has ever projected is the face of a Peace Corps volunteer. That face symbolizes this country: young, curious, brimming with idealism and hope — and a real, honest compassion. Those young people convey an idea of America that is all about — heart and creativity, generosity and confidence, a practical, can-do sense and a big, big smile." Here's a different view of what she said.

American TabooRead the story of Volunteer Deborah Gardner's murder in Tonga in 1976 and how her killer has been free for the past 28 years with the help of the Peace Corps. Read an excerpt from Philip Weiss' book documenting the murder and coverup. Then read an essay by RPCV Bob Shaconis who says that Peace Corps' treatment as a "sacred cow" has exempted it from public scrutiny and that the agency has labored to preserve its shining reputation, sometimes at the expense of the very principles it is supposed to embody.

American Taboo: A Peace Corps MurderRead the story of 23-year-old Peace Corps Volunteer Deborah Gardner who was stabbed to death on the island kingdom of Tonga in 1976 and why the man who murdered her has been free for the past 28 years with the help of the Peace Corps.

Can Peace Corps help fix US image?Read the op-ed by an RPCV who says that he was proud to serve in 1962 when Kennedy first inaugurated the program and that he would gladly serve in a United Nations Peace Corps but that it has become very difficult to reconcile one's conscience with American government policy in the current political environment.

RPCV Fern Holland slain helping women in IraqNamibia RPCV Fern Holland was one of three NGO workers who were killed in Iraq in March when their car was forced off the road and machine-gunned. Read about why she went to Iraq to better the lives of women in the country.

Jack Vaughn writes: Inbred Deer in the Fudge FactoryRead an insider's look at foreign policy as practiced in the Kennedy and Johnson White Houses and provides a revisionist history of our relations in Latin America from his unique vantage point as a senior official in the State Department and later as Director of the Peace Corps.

Colombia in KabulDirector Schneider says that unless adequate numbers and the right categories of troops, arms and rules of engagement are made available, Afghanistan will fail and a corrupt narco-state, will once again be a base for terrorism.

House of Representatives passes CharterThe Peace Corps and the Returned Volunteer community celebrated a big victory when the "Peace Corps Act for the 21st Century" Act passed the House in July. Read what's next for the bill..

I am looking for a good friend of my dad's who used to be a Peace Corp volunteer in Malaysia from 1967-1971. His name's Don Louis Kuechmann, he's German-American and he and my dad (Ganapathy Gopal) were friends and teaching in a secondary school in Nilai here in Malaysia back in 1967. They also travelled to India together back in 1969. Unfortunately my dad lost touch with Don after Don moved back to America in 1971. My dad would like to contact him again though and rekindle the friendship. We know that Don's last known address was Milwaukee, Wisconsin and that his hometown is Iowa...would be very grateful out there who knows him could point us in the right direction. Please do write to me at realhappyguy03@yahoo.com if you are in touch with Don. Thanks much....

Looking for Bill Aldrich RPCV from Bechem School for the Deaf in Ghana (1997-1999). He was my former track coach before joining the peace corp and relocating to Ghana. I know that he was planning to return to the states in 1999, but I'm not sure what happened to him after that. Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks! Please e-mail me at, crzybeans2001 AT yahoo DOT com.

Mark E. Russ used to work for Bonneville Power. I think wife's name is Lara. Is an Environmental Engineer. Likes to Trek and Rock Climb. Please contact Ramsharan DOT Harisharan AT Standardchartered DOT np DOT com

Looking for Doug Schneider and Wife Diana.You have been my Math and English and volleyball coach.Teacher at St Charles lwanga in the Years 1989 to 1991, Balaka,Malawi. I have been looking for you people for a long time. May you please communicate if you get this.My email address is mikeiwc@hotmail.com. Thanks Mike Matewere.

Add Your Message Here

Post:

Username:

Posting Information:
This is a public posting area. Enter your username and password if you have an account. Otherwise, enter your full name as your username and leave the password blank. Your e-mail address is optional.